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| Surrounded | ||
|---|---|---|
| Author(s): | Sandra Villarreal |  |
| Instructor: | Gauthier, Jean-Marc | |
| Class: | Spatial Design | |
| URL: | http://itp.nyu.edu/spatialdesign/blog | |
| Documents: | (GIF) | |
| Keywords: | Installation, site specific, code, augmentation, generative, architecture, organic, particles. | |
| Interactive installation of a column of projected light | ||
| "Surrounded" is a site specific interactive installation that explores the integration of virtual elements generated by the computer within the physical space. The projection surface becomes and object and an extention of the architectural space. Interactive animations of abstract imagery are projected on a column made of spandex fabric. The projected column has the same dimensions of the floor columns. The column is sensitive to the presence of visitors. The projected imagery resembles celular structures that appear to float inside the column. As the visitors get close to the column, the structures rise to the top and become alive. If the users leave the space, the particles disperse and die. | ||
| Background: | A couple of years ago I started to explore the use of projections as an extention of space and as a source of light (www.villarrealstudio.com) I had explored the use of multiple screens to create the sense of immersion. In the case of "Surrounded" the piece is not longer immersive. The projection becomes an object, an architectonical elemment that is surrounded and affected by visitors. The virtual column is immersed in the space and the visitors become satelites of the piece. | |
| Audience: | Visitors of a gallery | |
| User Scenario: | Each visitor approaching the column activates a sensor, and depending of his position, an image rise from the bottom of the projected column. As the visitor moves around the column, new images apprear on the screen and layers of new structures are created. The 8 ultrasonic sensors define 8 sensitive areas around the column. The distance between the users and the column determines the vertical position of the images and their motion patterns. The amount of sensors triggered determines the amount of celular structures on the screen and their activity level. | |
| Technical System Description: | 8 ultrasonic sensors track the position of the visitors around to the column. The sensors are connected to a I-CubeX sytem that outputs MIDI data. An application build in Macromedia Director (or Processing) generates abstract imagery based on the MIDI input. An USB/MIDI interface is used to send the MIDI signals to the computer. The MIDIio Xtra is installed to allow Director to receive MIDI data. | |
| Project References, Research and Literature: | Sources of inspiration: the work of Jennifer Steinkamp and Patrick Lichty, and of course, the work of Charles Forman who inpired me to explore and learn about "imaging lingo" in Macromedia Director. | |
| Conclusions: | The use of projection on a cylindrical screen. The development of a project suitable to the space and production timeframe of the show. The learning and implementation of some physics in programming. The challenges of working in an indivdual project. | |